Adapter for mixing fluids

ABSTRACT

The invention involves providing an adapter comprising a body provided with a primary chamber having an outlet passage, a plurality of inlet passages communicatively connected to said chamber whereby streams of fluid of different character when forced through said inlet passages will be mixed in said chamber prior to flow outwardly through said outlet passage, and means in or adjacent one or more of the aforesaid passages whereby to facilitate mixing of the fluids in the chamber and retard back flow of the mixture into either or both of the inlet passages whenever the pressure varies in the latter.

O United States Patent 1191 Harding Mar. 4, 1975 [54] ADAPTER FOR MIXING FLUIDS 3,409,042 11/1968 Anthony 137/603 3,554,714 l/l97l Johnson 259/4 X [75] Inventor? Hardmg, Lag), 3,624,842 12/1971 Harrison 4/18 [73] Assignee: Kenneth W. Shropshire, Fort Wayne, Ind. Primary E.raminer--Robert G. Nilson [22] Filed: Feb. 16, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 333,191 [57] ABSTRACT The invention involves providing an adapter compris ing a body provided with a primary chamber having an 2% 5.81 137/604, #1168; 115135 Outlet passage a plurality Ofinlet passages communi 'f 4. catively connected to said chamber whereby streams l 0 earc 4 1 1 of fluid of different character when forced through said inlet passages will be mixed in said chamber prior to flow outwardly through said outlet passage, and [56] References cued means in or adjacent one or more of the aforesaid pas- UNITED STATES PATENTS sages whereby to facilitate mixing of the fluids in the 1.524.726 2/1925 Benjamin 259/4 X chamber and retard back flow of the mixture into ei- L5 8 H1926 Rubin 137/603 X ther or both of the inlet passages whenever the pres- Herbsman 6i ure varies in the latter 2,5ll.291 6/1950 Mueller 137/604 2645,463 7/1953 Stearns .1 137/604 UX 3 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures ADAPTER FOR MIXING FLUIDS The subject invention relates generally to a device, whereby fluids may be automatically mixed and more particularly is directed to what is generally referred to as an adapter, which may be utilized wherever applicable, such as; for example, in conjuction with plumbing equipment, whereby, liquids of a different character such as hot and cold water may be automatically mixed for use in the flush tank of toilet apparatus whereby to increase the temperature of the water therein, for the purpose of preventing an accumulation of moisture of sweating on the external surfaces of the tank.

More specifically, the invention contemplates providing a body having a primary chamber provided with an outlet passage and a pair of inlet passages through which, for example, fluids such as hot and cold water may be forcibly introduced for mixture in the chamber prior to flow of the mixture through the outlet passage.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide a body or device, of the character above referred to, in which one or both of the inlet passages may be provided with means, such as baffles, whereby to substantially retard or prevent any back flow of the mixture into the inlet passages, whenever the pressures vary therein and thereby promote mixing of the liquids in the chamber.

An important object of the invention is to provide a body in which the baffle means in the inlet passages provide secondary or ante-chambers.

A further object of the invention is to provide baffle means adjacent the outlet passage whereby to assist in promoting the mixing of the fluids.

Another object of the subject invention is to provide a body in which the primary chamber is elongated or oval shaped, or is otherwise formed by a pair of opposed substantially parallel inner side surfaces and curved inner end surfaces whereby the baffle means in the inlet passages define ports which are so located they will cause the liquidsto flow against the aforesaid curved end surfaces for directing the liquids in curved paths toward one another to promote their mixing and flow generally toward the outlet passage.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention reside in providing an adapter or device which is preferably or molded into a one-piece construction whereby to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs as compared to equipment or apparatus comprised of many components or parts, requiring assembly.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a toilet apparatus, with portions in section, illustrating the application of the adapter embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken through the adapter depicting its internal structure;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the adapter; and

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken through a modified form of an adapter.

Referring to FIG. I of the drawing, numeral I represents a flush tank of a toilet apparatus and 2 generally designates an adapter, embodying the subject invention, which is interposed in lines or pipes 3 and 4 and a fitting S'which supply liquids to the tank.

The adapter 2 may be designed and constructed in various ways, but as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 it is preferably cast or molded to constitute a one-piece construction and comprises a hollow structure having an oblong body 6 formed by a pair of substantially corresponding parallel side walls 7 and a pair of convergent tubular portions 10 and 11 adjacent the lower part of the body and a third tubular portion 12 adjacent the upper part of the body.

The side walls of the body have inner parallel surfaces 13 and the end walls have inner curved surfaces 14 and 15, the latter of which in combination with the parallel surfaces define an oblong primary chamber 16 in which the liquids are mixed in a manner which will be subsequently described.

The lower convergent pair of tubular portions 10 and 11 project laterally or outwardly from the body and provide longitudinally extending inlet passages 17 and 18 having inner ends which communicatively connect with the chamber 16. The outer or free extremities of the tubular portions 10 and 11 are respectively provided with external threads 19, and nuts 20 cooperate with the threads whereby to facilitate detachable connection of the lines 3 and 4 thereto in a conventional manner. The line 3 is adapted to carry cold water into the passage 18 from a source, under pressure, to the chamber 16 and the line 4 is adapted to carry hot water into the passage 17 under pressure from a source, such as a hot water heater, where the water is hotter or warmer than the liquid or water carried by the line 3 and therefore these lines may be referred to as cold and hot lines, or, as above alluded, they serve to carry liquids of a different character.

The third and upper tubular portion 12 is preferably somewhat larger in transverse cross-section than that of the thickness of the body and the lower pair of portions as shown in FIG. 3, and is provided with a longitudinally extending outlet passage 21. The inner end of this outlet passage is communicatively connected to the primary elongated chamber 16. This upper tubular portion 12 is preferably internally threaded as indicated at 22 and preferably shaped in the form of a nut 23 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 whereby to facilitate connection of the structure to a lower threaded end of the fitting 5. The upper portion 12 may also be described as being provided with an internally threaded socket and the nut offers a setup whereby a wrench may be employed to rotate the adapter onto the fitting 5, following which, the lines 3 and 4 may be connected to the pair of tubular portions by the nuts 20. The upper tubular portion or socket is preferably provided with an annular inset seat 24 supporting a gasket or sea] 25. This gasket preferably includes an annularportion 26 for engaging the seat and a conical portion 27 provided with a port 28 through which the liquid mixture may flow out through the outlet passage 21. It may also be stated that the outlet passage 21 is countersunk.

Attention is directed to the fact that the structure or adapter has what may be termed a major longitudinal axis 29 which is coincident with the axis of the outlet passage 21 and a transverse axis 30 which extends through the primary chamber 16 and that the longitudinal axes of the inlet passages converge and preferably intersect the major longitudinal axis at a location between the transverse axis 30 and the inner end of the outlet passage, as disclosed in FIG. 2. Otherwise expressed, the major longitudinal axis 29 bisects the acute angle formed by the longitudinal axes of the inlet passages 17 and 18 and that the axes intersect preferably at a location within the confines of the chamber.

'adjacent the inner end of the'outlet passage 21 is preferably provided with baffle means such as a pair of inner convergent baffles or abutments 31 and 32 which preferably define a port or opening 33 having a crossdimension somewhat less than the diameter of the outlet passage 21. It is understood that the baffle means or baffles 31 and 32 may also be referred to as partitions or walls which bridge the side partions of the body 6 of the adapter.

As alluded to above a significant objective of the subject invention is to provide the adapter with baffle means and it is to be understood that the adapter may be provided with baffle means adjacent the outlet passage as described in the preceding paragraph and/or with baffle means in either or both of the inlet passages 17 and 18 as will now be described.

More specifically in the above respect, the tubular portion 11 which receives cold water is preferably provided with a pair of axially spaced transversely disposed baffles or abutments 34 and 35, which define what may be referred to as a secondary or ante-chamber 36. The tubular portion is also preferably provided with a third transverse baffle or abutment 37 which is located opposite or substantially midway between the baffles 34 and 35 and extends toward the secondary chamber 36 for the purpose of providing an inlet port 38 and an outlet port 39 the latter of which is directly communicatively connected to the primary chamber 16. It should be observed that the baffles may be described as partitions or walls which extend generally toward one another and terminate substantially at the longitudinal axis of the inlet passage. With this unique arrangement, the cold water entering the tubular portion 11 will flow against the bafffles and enter the secondary chamber 36 through the inlet port 38 and then flow through the outlet port 39 into one end of the oblong primary chamber 16. With this unique arrangement the cold water is caused to travel a tortuous or serpentine path through the tubular portion 11 as it flows through the outlet port 39 the baffle 34 serves to successively deflect or direct the cold liquid toward and against the curved internal surface 15 of the primary chamber and against the baffle 32 to impart turbulence and/or a circular motion or flow to the liquid is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2 to promote mixing of the liquids.

The tubular portion of the adapter, which receives the hot liquid is provided with baffle means substantially corresponding to that located in the tubular portion 11. More specifically the tubular portion 10 is provided with a pair of baffles 40 and 41 forming a secondary or ante-chamber 42 and a third baffle 43. The baffles 40, 41, and 43 respectively correspond to the baffles 34, 35, and 37 whereby to provide in inlet port 44 and an outlet port 45 substantially corresponding to the inlet and outlet ports 38 and 39 and so that the baffle 40 will serve to deflect or direct the hot water from the outlet port 45 outwardly against the inner curved surface 14 of the primary chamber 16 for movement toward and against the baffle 31 to impart a turbulence or a circular motion to the liquid as exemplified in FIG. 2 to promote mixing of the liquids. In other words, the baffle means cause the liquids to flow in circular intersecting paths within the confines of the primary chamber.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawing, it will be observed that valves-46, if so desired, may be interposed in the lines 3 and 4. The adapter 2 may be mounted in any manner desired, but as illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawing, the fitting 5 is of a tubular character and includes a lower externally threaded extremity, which extends through a round opening 47 provided therefor in a bottom wall 48 of the tank 1. The fitting may also include an upper extremity 49 which extends upwardly into the tank and is provided with suitable float control valve means (not shown) and a conventional ball-cock 50 may be provided for controlling the flow of water from the tank into a bowl 51 of the toilet apparatus.

The fitting 5 may also be provided with an external annular abutment 52 located between the upper and lower extremities of the fitting so that a gasket 53 may be interposed between the annular abutment 52 and the bottom wall 48 of the tank for sealing the connection between the fitting and the tank. More specifically in this respect, the gasket 53 includes an annular portion 54 which bears against the abutment 52 and the planar surface of the bottom wall 48 and a generally tapered portion 55, which extends into the opening 47. A nut 56 is carried by the lower threaded extremity of the fitting 5 for clamping the gasket between the abutment 52 and the bottom wall 48 of the tank whereby to firmly anchor and seal the fitting in place, whereupon the adapter 2 may be readily attached to the lower threaded extremity of the fitting for support thereby by applying a wrench to the nut 23 of the adapter and which when connected the tank also serves to clamp the annular portion 26 of the seal 25 between the seat 24 and the inner end of the lower threaded extremity of the fitting.

In view of the foregoing, it will be manifest that the fluids or liquids prior to entering the primary chamber are, by reason of the baffle means in the inlet passaages, caused to travel tortuous paths or patterns and on entering the chamber 16 are caused to flow outwardly or laterally in opposite directions from another and/or from the longitudinal axis 29 of the adapter and then into generally circular paths and/or toward one another and the center of the chamber where the liquids are thoroughly mixed prior to their flow outwardly through the outlet passage 21, and that the baffle means in the inlet passages 17 and 18 assist in preventing back flow of liquids into their passages whenever the pressure values therein vary. For example, if the pressure in the cold line to the tank should become less due to the use of cold water in other lines, the baffle means in the inlet passage 18 will retard back flow of the hot water in line 4 into line 3 and vice versa. Otherwise expressed, the baffle means in the inlet passages serve the dual function of directing the liquids toward the ends of the primary chamber and assist in preventing back flow of the liquids into the inlet passages. The baffle means at the inner end of the outlet passage may also serve to promote further mixing of the liquids in the outlet passage, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2, in an area or fourth chamber between the port 33 and the gasket 25 for flow through the port 28 in the gasket and into the fitting 5 for discharge into the tank. Obviously, the baffle means may be provided in either or both of the inlet passages, but it is important that baffle means be provided in the cold water inlet passage 18 so that hot water entering the mixing chamber through inlet passage 17 will be checked against back flow into the cold water inlet passage 18.

Also, in view of the foregoing it should be obvious that the baffle means adjacent the outlet passage 21 while serving to promote mixing of the liquids may be eliminated in view of the adapter 100 shown in FIG. 4 of the drawing.

It is also to be understood in view of the foregoing that the adapter may be utilized for any purpose desired and that gases or liquids other than those of a hot or cold character may be forced into the chamber of the adapter for substantial mixing thereof. In view of the fact that the tubular portions 11 and of the adapter are substantially identical, it is immaterial whether they are respectively cold and hot or hot and cold lines, thereby facilitating their connection to such lines.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms, constructions, arrangements, and combinations of components herein shown and described.

I claim:

1. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body hav-' ing a central chamber having inner curved end surfaces, said body also being provided with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said body adjacent said inner end of said outlet being provided with baffle means, said pair of passages having longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage, said lastmentioned baffle means comprising a pair of axially spaced abutments extending transversely in one direction to form a secondary chamber and a third abutment which extends transversely toward said secondary chamber to form an inlet port at the supply end of said one inlet passage and an outlet port to said central chamber for directing at least some of the fluid against one of said curved end surfaces toward said baffle means adjacent said outlet passage whereby to assist in the temporary retention of fluid in said central chamber prior to its flow through said outlet passage.

2. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body having a central chamber, said body also being provided with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said central chamber having opposed substantially parallel internal side surfaces and opposed internal curved end surfaces, said pair of passages having longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, and at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage and fluid flowing through said one inlet passage will be directed laterally toward the curved end surface closest thereto to impart a generally circular motion to the fluid.

3. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body having a central chamber provided with an inner curved surface and with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and provided with abutment means, said body also being provided with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said pair of passages hav ing longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, and at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage, said baffle means also serving to direct a fluid flowing through said one inlet passage in a lateral direction against said abutment means via said curved surface whereby to assist in mixing the fluids prior to their flow through said outlet passage.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 5,868,967 Dated March LL, 1975 lnvent r( Donald D. Harding It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the Cover Sheet, item should read Assignee: Donald D. Harding, Wabash, Ind.

Signed and sealed this 27th day of May 1975.

(SEAL Attest:

C. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON Commissioner of Patents Arresting Officer and Trademarks 0PM PC3-1050 (IO-69) USCQMM-DC 60376-P69 uvs, GOVERNMENT rnm'rme OFFICE: 930 

1. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body having a central chamber having inner curved end surfaces, said body also being provided with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said body adjacent said inner end of said outlet being provided with baffle means, said pair of passages having longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage, said last-mentioned baffle means comprising a pair of axially spaced abutments extending transversely in one direction to form a secondary chamber and a third abutment which extends transversely toward said secondary chamber to form an inlet port at the supply end of said one inlet passage and an outlet port to said central chamber for directing at least some of the fluid against one of said curved end surfaces toward said baffle means adjacent said outlet passage whereby to assist in the temporary retention of fluid in said central chamber prior to its flow through said outlet passage.
 2. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body having a central chamber, said body also being provided with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said central chamber having opposed substantially parallel internal side surfaces and opposed internal curved end surfaces, said pair of passages having longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, and at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage and fluid flowing through said one inlet passage will be directed laterally toward the curved end surface closest thereto to impart a generally circular motion to the fluid.
 3. A device for mixing fluids comprising: a body having a central chamber provided with an inner curved surface and with an axially extending outlet passage having an inner end communicating with said chamber and provided with abutment means, said body also being provided with a pair of converging longitudinally extending inlet passages having inner ends which communicate with said chamber, said pair of passages having longitudinal axes which intersect the axis of said outlet passage, and at least one of said inlet passages being provided with baffle means whereby when fluids of a different character are forced into said chamber via said inlet passages for mixing and flow out said outlet passage, said baffle means may assist in preventing back flow of the mixture into said one inlet passage, said baffle means also serving to direct a fluid flowing through said one inlet passage in a lateral direction against said abutment means via said curved surface whereby to assist in mixing the fluids prior to their flow through said outlet passage. 